After experiencing an unspecified injury on Tuesday, April 2, during the game between the Florida Panthers and the Montreal Canadiens, Florida Panthers and Montreal Canadiens, Aaron Ekblad has been ruled out for the rest of the regular season on Thursday, April 4.
Panthers’ head coach Paul Maurice informed the media about this development in his pregame press conference on Thursday, before Florida’s game against the Ottawa Senators, via NHL.com.
“This is not new and it’s not unknown to us,” Maurice said. “[Ekblad’s] has a good understanding of how long it will take and he’s making good progress today, so we’re on the right track. We're going to miss him.”
Ekblad only played for 7:16 minutes over 11 shifts, per Natural Stat Trick, against the Canadiens before leaving the game and being ruled out for the remainder of that match.
According to Florida Panthers Sr. Digital Content Manager Jameson Olive, Ekblad “will likely miss (the) rest of the regular season.” Olive added that the Panthers are “quite confident” he’ll be 100% and ready for Game 1.”
Ekblad Sustained a Setback Just Three Games After Returning
Ekblad had missed all games played by Florida since March 9 when he sustained the initial injury that has kept him off the ice for the majority of the past month.
He made a comeback on March 28, but only lasted three games and 7:16 minutes before being sidelined again on Thursday, April 4.
Ekblad faced an unspecified injury during Tuesday’s game against the Canadiens, as reported by Heavy. The Panthers lost 5-3 in Ekblad’s fourth game since returning from a two-week absence.
Maurice acknowledged the setback experienced by Ekblad following his return and the injury amidst a packed late-season schedule.
“We’re gonna lose guys, I told you that two weeks ago,” Marucie told reporters after the game, via Florida Hockey Now. “We’re gonna lose bodies, we’re gonna get guys sick, we’re gonna get guys injured… it’s just the function of the schedule.”
With his chances of playing again before the playoffs very limited, Ekblad will probably close the year with 51 appearances in which he’s scored 4 goals and assisted 14 for 18 points.
Panthers Secured Playoff Spot But Still Battling for Better Positioning
The Panthers have already secured a playoff spot as one of the top teams in the league. Their performance, however, has been subpar with a 2-7-1 record in their last 10 games.
This is not acceptable considering the team’s talent and the expectations for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Last year, the Panthers reached the Stanley Cup Finals with Ekblad playing a key role as one of their main players and team leaders. Florida’s top defenseman averaged nearly 24 minutes of ice time per game (23:57) in 20 playoff games.
The Panthers have matched their regular-season points from last year (99 points) this season with an outstanding 47-24-5 record in 76 games.
They are playing against the Senators (70 points) tonight as they attempt to narrow the gap with Atlantic Division leader Boston (103 points) in seeking a higher seed in the playoffs.
